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Marino: Protect Constitutional Rights

WILLIAMSPORT – U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, PA-10, on Thursday expressed his concerns with HR3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act, and vowed to continue to work toward a solution that will protect the rights of American citizens while halting the piracy that threatens U.S. jobs and the national economy.

Marino said he is assessing calls from constituents and communicating revisions to the bill to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith.

“The debate and discussion of the bill is still in (Judiciary) committee,” Marino said. “It is far from completion in committee, let alone ready for a vote on the House floor.”

Marino said he will not tolerate “the infringement of the constitutional rights of U.S. citizens” and wants to ensure the bill pertains only to foreign thieves.

“I am suspect of the portion of the bill that gives the Department of Justice sole authority to determine who or what violates the bill if it becomes law,” he said.

Marino said his co-sponsorship of the measure does not mean he is committed to supporting HR3261 as a member of the Judiciary Committee or on the House floor if it is ever brought forward for consideration.

“The concerns raised by some constituents have come through loud and clear,” he said. “The bill still needs much improvement. However, there is no doubt that online theft of American goods and intellectual property is costing the United States jobs and billions of dollars. Steps must be taken to protect American property from thieves in Europe and China.

“I do hope the effort to protect American innovators from foreign rogue websites will continue. I look forward to working toward the goal of finding common ground and resolving this serious problem.”